Marcellus Shale’s Affect on the Local Economy

Drew Cobbs, the executive director of the Maryland Petroleum Council, told Cumberland business leadrs this week that if Marcellus shale fracking does come to Maryland, the effects on the economy would be overwhelmingly positive. He said the state would not need to pay to replace any contaminated water, because the drilling company would be liable. In March, the Maryland Petroleum Council released a report on the economic benefits drilling would bring to western Maryland. Cobbs said that study and other studies have shown some environmental impacts, but they’re reversible and far outweighed. Cobbs added that drilling would create numerous jobs for Marylanders, based on what has happened in other states…